Learn About Household Mold and How to Prevent It.

The best time to learn about the dangers of
household mold is now. It can have a long-lasting, detrimental effect on your physical
and even mental health. Although a little bleach and water can remove
visible mold in the home, it does little to protect you from the unseen dangers.

Household Mold – What is it?

Molds are simple, microscopic organisms that thrive indoor and outdoors
in any environment. Molds, which include mushrooms and yeast, are fungi
that are necessary to break down dead material and recycle nutrients in
the environment. Molds reproduce through tiny spores that are invisible
to the naked eye. The spores float through the air and may grow rapidly
indoors when they land on wet surfaces in your home. Add heat and humidity
above 50% and you have mold that proliferates rapidly. Although there
are many types of mold, none of them will grow without moisture or water.
While toxic mold sounds both terrifying and catchy, it’s not the
mold that is toxic but the spores it produces. Molds that include S. chartarum,
Fusarium, and Trichoderma release spores that include dangerous substances
called mycotoxins. Once they become airborne and you inhale them, they
absorb into your skin and intestines. In addition to toxic spores, these
molds produce gases that release mycotoxins.

Invisible Mold, Visible Effects

The danger of
household mold continues to rise. In fact, Farmers Insurance reported that there has been
a 1,100 increase in mold related claims over the past decade. It doesn’t
stop there. The Mayo Clinic released a statement that 93% of Chronic Sinus
Infections have been attributed to mold.

Here are some of the negative effects of mold in your home:

Respiratory Problems including Asthma and Infections

Immune System Suppression

Eye irritation with Burning, Watery or Reddened Eyes

Dry and Hacking Cough

Nose and/or Throat Irritation

Skin Rashes or Irritation

Memory Impairment

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Body Aches and Pain

Chronic Fatigue

Food Intolerance and Allergies

Headaches

Mood Swings

Nasal and Sinus Congestion

What Can You Do to Prevent Household Mold?

Moisture Control – Maintain humidity levels below 60% to avoid mold growth. To do
so, try the following suggestions to keep moisture levels between 30% and 50%.